Vince Gill Receives Honorary Doctorate From Belmont Univ.

Vince Gill has received dozens of awards and accolades, including 20 Grammy trophies and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. But it's the Opry member's recent honorary doctorate in Humanities, which he received from Nashville's Belmont University on Saturday (May 14), that he says is the most meaningful.

"I have never been more honored to receive anything in my life," Vince says of his doctorate (quote via WSMV-TV). According to Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher, the country icon, whose selfless acts have included raising money for flood victims and supporting wounded military through Challenge America, was more than worthy of the recognition.

"As a singer, songwriter and multifaceted musician, Vince Gill has mastered his craft and yet he keeps pushing himself to service and providing opportunities for others to succeed," Fisher said during the ceremony. "Vince is truly a Nashville -- and national -- treasure."

The 53-year-old, who never attended college himself, developed a longstanding relationship with the Nashville university after becoming friends with Belmont's basketball coach, Rick Byrd, more than 25 years ago.

"I met Rick on a golf course," he recalls. "I was making records at that point but couldn't prove it because no one owned them. He was coaching basketball, but he couldn't prove it then because no one came to the games. It's easily been one of the best friendships I ever had."

Vince will spend some time in Nashville next month, participating in the annual City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge, before he hits the road for several shows this summer. Keep track of his tour schedule here.